It’s 5:30 p.m., the grill is heating, and the steaks are still solid in the freezer. Many of us have been there. Learning how to thaw steaks safely is really a matter of planning, but quick methods exist when dinner can’t wait.
The heat is the enemy: bacteria multiply fastest in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F. Whichever method you choose, you want to keep the meat below that range until it hits the pan.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen steaks in a leak-proof freezer bag or resealable packaging
- A rimmed plate or baking dish
- A large bowl or clean sink filled with cold water
- A microwave-safe plate, if you’re using the microwave method
How to Thaw Steaks, in Order of Preference
- Use the refrigerator overnight. Place the sealed steaks on a rimmed plate so juices can’t drip onto other food. Thin-cut steaks generally thaw in about 12 hours; thick cuts may need a full 24. The bonus: once thawed this way, you can hold the steaks in the fridge for another day or two before cooking.
- Try a cold-water bath when time is short. Keep the steaks sealed in the bag, submerge them in cold water, and place a heavy plate over the top to hold them down. Refresh the water every 30 minutes. A one-inch steak usually thaws in 30 to 60 minutes. Cook the steaks immediately after this quick-thaw method.
- Turn to the microwave only in an emergency. Remove any metallic trays or overwrap, set the steaks on a microwave-safe plate, and use the defrost setting, following your microwave’s directions. It won’t be perfectly even—some edges may start to cook—so cook these steaks right away.
🥩 Note: Never thaw steaks on the counter or in hot water. The outside will warm into the danger zone before the center thaws, which is a food-safety risk and a one-way ticket to a dry, tough steak.
The refrigerator is your default: get in the habit of moving frozen steaks to the fridge the night before. If you forget, stay calm and use the cold-water bath, then season and sear. Safe thawing is simple, and your dinner will taste like it was never frozen at all.
Related Terms:
- How to Thaw Steaks quickly
- How to Thaw Steaks fast